The Vientiane Health Department is looking to raise awareness of disease prevention and fire safety in the lead-up to the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane this December.

Officials from the department met with print and electronic media representatives last Monday to discuss cooperation efforts to promote disease prevention and fire safety campaigns.

Media outlets have expressed willingness to work with the department to publish information on prevention and treatment of diseases.

Director of the department, Dr Inlavanh Keobounphanh, said active promotion of information on diseases and fire safety will provide a safe and secure SEA Games for participants and spectators.

She said the department will regularly communicate with media organisations to ensure that information on any potential disease threats is published quickly.

The Lao SEA Games Organising Committee is also working closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure there are no outbreaks of disease or viruses during the games.

The department has finished inspections of health standards at 60 percent of hotels and guesthouses in Vientiane in the lead-up to the games.

Five people have died from dengue fever in Vientiane this year, more than in recent years. However, Dr Inlavanh said there is currently no disease or virus that poses a major threat in Vientiane .

The department, which falls under the Ministry of Health, is responsible for several areas of preparation for the games, including inspecting hygiene standards at hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and athletes' accommodation, as well as anti-doping, disease control, and food and drinking water standards.

The department will issue certification, ensuring ‘Good Environment, Good Service, Safe Food, Good Health', to hotels and restaurants that pass inspections carried out by health officials.

Dr Inlavanh said the department will also organise training courses on hygiene and safety standards for staff at hotels and restaurants to ensure they maintain the necessary benchmarks.

She said the inspections will mean overseas guests can rest easy knowing that hotels and restaurants reach certain standards and offer clean and hygienic food and facilities.

The games have also been announced a ‘smoke-free' event, further contributing to the health of athletes and spectators.

The Vientiane Urban Development and Administration Authority will install signs bearing the ‘No Smoking 25th SEA Games' slogan at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and Wattay International Airport.